A Campaign with a Positive RING
Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

A favorite proposal in recent years by the neo-conservative, anti-government crowd has been to reduce or eliminate government social service programs and let faith-based organizations through their charity campaigns and volunteers pick up these responsibilities. A recent Virginia governor who was an advocate of this approach spoke with some authority and experience on the change. He explained how his service club mowed the grass at a local juvenile detention home each week. He offered no explanation as to who was to provide the 24-7 supervision needed at the home with three meals a day and educational programs and therapeutic treatment required.

What is lacking in the faith based initiative proposals is a recognition of how programs and services work in the real world. For as long as social service programs have been in existence there has been a healthy mix of private and public contributions that have made the programs successful.

Our community of Reston is a prime example of the strength of programs that come from a healthy mix of non-profits, businesses, community and government working together. That strength is embodied in Reston Interfaith. Reston Interfaith serves more than 13,000 of our neighbors who are in need each year with emergency assistance, preschool programs, and shelter and housing. Reston Interfaith operates the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Laurel Learning Center, and Cedar Ridge Apartments among other programs. Supporting these programs are a series of government contracts and grants that are fundamental to the continued operation of these services. Critical also to their funding are the contributions from the many religious groups that formed the organization initially. Rounding out their budget are the contributions from businesses directly and through participation in the Best of Reston dinner and the annual golf tournament.

Individuals contribute to Reston Interfaith also but at a rate of concern to some members of the Reston Interfaith Board. A new campaign – the Reston Interfaith Neighborhood Giving Campaign – RING – is intended to increase opportunities for individuals to give.

Visit the Reston Interfaith website, www.restoninterfaith.org, to learn more about the critically important services they provide. Click on the RING logo to learn how you and your neighbors can help.

Virginia’s budget for social services is skimpy. Faith-based programs like Reston Interfaith are essential to helping our neighbors in need. No one does a better job than Reston Interfaith with 86 percent of its budget going to direct services. Join me in getting involved in RING.

Thanks to the March of Dimes for the recognition they gave me at the Walk America event last Sunday for my work in the General Assembly to expand the infant screening program.

“Celebrating Special Children, a Resource Guide for Families for Children with Special Needs,” has just published its 2005 Northern Virginia edition. For a copy call 703.442.0360.

I was one of only 14 members of the House of Delegates making the Dean’s List with a 4.1 GPA according to a rating by Virginia 21 as determined by the student body presidents of Virginia’s public colleges and universities. Legislators on the Dean’s List “served above and beyond our expectations continuously standing up for students and young voters.” For more information go to www.virginia21.org.

Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22 – American Cancer Society Relay for Life at South Lakes High School. If you would like to join a team, call Delegate Ken Plum at 703.758.9733. No physical activity required in the Relay – just a willingness to help raise money for an important cause.

Thursday, June 2, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Anniversary Celebration Honoring Delegate Kenneth R. Plum at the historic Smith-Bowman House. Sponsorships and invitations available. Call 703.391.2978.

Saturday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Clyde’s Strawberry Festival to benefit Nature House. Schedule and details at www.reston.org.